All of 17-year-old but already putting in stellar performances in the junior circuit, Abhay Singh is one of the most impressive players on the junior circuit. Speaking to Sportskeeda in an exclusive interview via mail, the youngster speaks about his exploits in 2015, balancing between studies and squash and a lot more.
Excerpts:
Q: How would you sum up 2015 season?
A: The 2015 season was really eventful, I picked up 7 titles this year in total and that's the best I’ve done so far. I was playing my best squash in the month of September where I picked up 3 titles but I wasn’t able to keep that up in the next few months. I picked up a win at the Singapore Open just prior to Christmas so that was a good way to end the year for me. To sum it up it was my best year so far thanks to all my coaches Bala(Murugan) Sir, Major(Maniam) Sir and Cyrus(Poncha) Sir and hopefully I can keep the results coming.
Q: What are the areas where you feel you still require some improvement as you enter the 2016 season?
A: I played my first few PSA tournaments in 2015 and the difference between PSA and the juniors is surely a lot. Senior players are way more steady strong and fit so those are the areas I would like to improve on this year. I want to get a lot fitter and stronger physically and mentally.
Q: How hard was it for you to manage your studies with your squash competitions last year?
A: Managing studies and squash is really hard but my school has been so supportive from the beginning. All my teachers in school(Lady Andal Venkatasubba Rao Matriculation School) and my Principal have been so supportive when it comes to sending me to tournaments or when I need extra time for training and as a player that really makes you feel comfortable knowing that they are always there to help you out when you need them.
Q: Recently, Akanksha Salunkhe was picked into the Senior team. As a fellow junior player, did you get any encouragement seeing that and do you think if you continue to maintain a good level of consistency, you also stand a chance to be picked in the senior team?
A: Our Men’s senior team is really strong so to make the team I will have to work a lot harder and be more consistent. Hopefully, I can keep the hard work going and soon I will be called up for a senior team trial.
Q: How much of a role have your parents played in encouraging you to take the sport seriously?
A: My Parents have been very supportive all along. Its because of them that I am what I am and how far I’ve come. I could never thank them enough.
Q: What are your goals for the upcoming season?
A: I have my board exams in April and then I'll be fully focused on training. I will play a lot less in India and a lot more international tournaments and also focus on the PSA tour this coming year. The boys team event for the World juniors is this year so I hope our team can do well. Apart from that I hope to do well at the junior tournaments and the PSA. This year is big and I am confident it will be my best year so far.
Q: Finally, what do you like to do when you are neither studying nor playing?
A: When I am not studying or playing squash I usually hang out with my friends or spend time with my family. Sometimes taking a few days off my routine really helps and keeps my mind relaxed so I can come back to training and push harder.
